Paul O'Grady Exhibition Open Call, Williamson Art Gallery

Four artists could see their work become part of a major retrospective exhibition celebrating Paul O'Grady at the Williamson Art Gallery in Birkenhead. 'You Gotta Get a Gimmick: Paul O'Grady Story' opens on December 4, 2026 and runs until late 2027. An open call launches for new works by LGBTQIA+ artists that will feature in the show, exploring O'Grady's extraordinary contribution to British culture, LGBTQIA+ history, animal welfare, children's literacy, broadcasting and the performing arts. The deadline is July 24.

Proposals should create an artistic response that celebrates and preserves Paul's legacy, life and contribution to British cultural life. While rooted in his importance to LGBTQIA+ history, proposals may also explore his impact as a broadcaster, performer, author and campaigner for animal welfare, advocate for children and literacy, and champion of working-class voices. The commissioned artwork will join the Williamson Art Gallery's permanent collection. Proposals are not tied to any medium and can be visual art, poetry, drag performance, sound design, film, sculpture or cross-platform.

Proposals should address one of several themes: Celebrate and Preserve, honouring Paul's life and contribution to LGBTQIA+ history and activism; Be Inspired by Paul, exploring his lasting impact on British culture; Hidden Histories, uncovering lesser-known LGBTQIA+ stories that shaped the Wirral's heritage; Commemorate Progress, marking the upcoming 60th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality; and Beyond the Spotlight, exploring his work with animals, children's literature, broadcasting and community engagement. Alongside Paul's archive, the exhibition will feature an oral history collection, a Reading Club celebrating his children's books, and a heritage trail through Birkenhead Park, Oxton and the riverfront. Full application details are available via the linked guidelines.